Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the World Cup

Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.

His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.

His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.

And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Reason for the Purple Patch?

Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That instinct and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.

Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.

"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.

"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."